The Great Performing Arts Cull - $1.8 million impact in South Australia

The Coalition Government’s funding cuts to the Australia Council will have a devastating impact on the live performance industry in South Australia according to new analysis by Live Performance Australia.

LPA Chief Executive Evelyn Richardson said two small to medium performing arts companies had lost all of their operational funding from the Australia Council, while another company had its funding reduced.

‘Live performance companies in South Australia have lost a total of $1.8 million through funding cuts or reductions in their funding allocation for the Australia Council four year funding round.

No new companies received funding in South Australia.

‘These cuts are the legacy of the Coalition’s 2015 budget which slashed $110 million in funding for the Australia Council.

‘At a time when the Government talks about supporting jobs, growth and innovation, it is doing exactly the opposite for Australia’s $2.5 billion live performance industry which employs 34,000 Australians,’ Ms Richardson said.‘Given South Australia’s well-deserved reputation for innovation and excellence in live performance, these cuts are misjudged and short-sighted.’

Live Performance Australia is calling for the return of $72.8 million in funding to the Australia Council to ensure the ongoing viability and growth of our small to medium companies which are a critical part of the live performance industry.

South Australian companies that have lost funding include Brink Productions and Slingsby Theatre Company while Patch Theatre Company had its funding reduced.

‘Given the impact of these cuts, LPA calls on the South Australian government to maintain its funding levels for the performing arts in the forthcoming state budget.

LPA is still seeking a meeting with the Minister for the Arts, Senator Fifield, to discuss the funding cuts and its policy priorities for the live performance industry.